I made this little journal from two envelopes glued together, inspired by a tutorial by Natasha of treasure books. I started out using three envelopes, however I accidentally tore one away as I was creating, so I ended up with just two. Each envelope makes a pocket for holding pretty cards that I made, and the pages are made with tea dyed paper. This was a fun little project and I hope you enjoy it!
Adventures in a Jacket Makeover!
I had this boxy yellow jacket that I love but that did not fit me well. In my sewing group, I asked for suggestions on making it over. Several people suggested turning it into a waistcoat, so I began the makeover by removing the sleeves.
Then I modified the fit by adding darts to the fronts and the back. I loved one suggestion made: “Lovely fabric that’s begging to be turned into a sensation more fitting to its tone. I’d take out the seams and add blue fabric of a similar weight. Loads of blue fabric, not just to widen the fit, but to extend it to calf or ankle length. I’d use a blue velvet and add a cape like swing to the lower width.”
It so happens that I had Blue velvet coat that I’d gotten at a clothing swap; the coat was too small so I’d already removed the sleeves but had not finished altering that coat. Now it had a new purpose! I cut off the bottom of the velvet coat and stitched that beneath the hem of the yellow jacket, then hemmed the armhole openings. I love the final result! We got to make our first outing Friday evening, including a headshot session from a photographer at our Center for the Arts! I added captions to photos. EnJoy!
A Beautiful Necklace!
This is a little different from my usual art projects. Some years ago I saw a post someone made of a necklace she created, using a tube of fabric and inserting large seeds of some kind for the beads. I always wanted to try that, and yesterday I got inspired to do so by another artist who made a necklace of fabric beads.
I chose this silk necktie for my base, sewing it closed to make a tube. I inserted dried avocado seeds to form the beads, and tied a knot in the fabric between each bead. Today I decided to add some tiny gold beads that I strung and sewed between each larger bead. Oh, yes! It’s stunning and I am eager to wear it soon! EnJoy!
A Beautiful New Folio!
I used the folder that my new checks came in for the cover of this lovely folio, and some of my favorite papers! Do you love the ocean and beach as much as I do? With an added booklet, cards, and a fold-out page there is plenty of room for recording your beach vacation or your dreams to go on one! EnJoy!
#100DayProject Day 13
I made this lovely little pincushion yesterday; can you guess what the base is made of? I used the lid from a pack of baby wipes! One less item to go into landfill. Enjoy!

Bold Blue Pincushion
#100DayProject Day 12
I had this piece of an old velveteen shirt in my stash for ages, didn’t know what to do with it since much of the plush has worn off. Today I cut away a chunk that was less worn than the rest, squared the edges as best I could and added a brown cotton backing. At first I thought of making a small pouch, then decided to just leave it flat so it can be like a mug mat, though too large for that; it measures 10″ x 6.5″ (and sadly dipped in the middle when I hand stitched the opening closed).
#100DayProject Day 11
Made another quick collage featuring a commemorative stamp from Australia, a scrunched up empty tea bag, stars stamped in silver, and other bits from my stash.
I found it fascinating to learn that the first flight from England to Australia was in 1919, when aerial post started! Do you remember those tissue-thin blue airmail envelopes and paper? Stamped with Par Avion. I wonder when those ceased being used? Anyone know?

Stamp Collage
#100DayProject Day 10
I made another collage today, using up bits and pieces: a scrap of paper towel dyed yellow with tumeric!, a liner from a raspberry package, paper, fabric, and butterflies cut from washi tape. EnJoy!

Saturday Collage
#100DayProject Day 9
I made this lovely little collage this evening, inspired by Natasa of Treasure Books. The ground is a torn scrap of paper grocery bag adhered to a piece cut from a tissue box. I used bits and pieces from the pile of scraps that have been waiting for me to use up. I love how it turned out! EnJoy!

May 2 Collage
#100DayProject Day 8
I’ve decided to drop the themes I started this 100 day project with; it was feeling too limiting. Now I’m just focused on creating Something each day for 100 days! And there will be days that are not consecutive.
I made this sweet little book mark from one side of a cracker box, using more scraps from the Graphic 45 A Lady’s Diary to cover it. I particulary love the lace flower with dangly bits, cut down from a larger piece of lace trim. What will I create next? Stay tuned! EnJoy!